“I don’t date people I work with,” she said. “It’s too awkward when it ends.”

“With that mindset you’re setting yourself up to fail,” he told her. “Embrace the power of positive thought.”

“I prefer to be pragmatic.”

“How about a trial? Dinner this Friday, your choice of venue. No strings, no expectations, no obligations. I’ll even try to make it fun.” He saw her resolve wavering. “C’mon, Dee—just give me a chance!”

So she did.

Eighteen months later, as he casually blanked her at the coffee machine, she wished she’d listened to herself.